Abstract

MANGWEGAPE, David S.; MANYEDI, Mofatiki E.  and  MOLATO, Boitumelo J.. Risk factors to mental health challenges among the LGBTI+ community in Gaborone, Botswana. Curationis [online]. 2024, vol.47, n.1, pp.1-10. ISSN 2223-6279.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v47i1.2543.

BACKGROUND: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and other gender diverse groupings symbolised by + (LGBTI+) individuals experience adverse mental health problems, and several factors have been documented to facilitate such problems. However, in Botswana, the factors facilitating LGBTI+ individuals to experience mental health challenges have not been explored with previous studies only highlighting the poor mental health outcomes they experience. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore and describe factors that could cause mental health challenges in LGBTI+ individuals in Gaborone, Botswana. METHOD: A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological design was employed to examine the research question. In data collection, 15 unstructured in-depth telephonic interviews were conducted until data saturation. Data were analysed with a co-coder using the data analysis method by Colaizzi. RESULTS: Three themes emerged following data analysis and were reasons for experiencing mental health challenges, experiences of challenges in accessing healthcare services and the social challenges of everyday life. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that a variety of factors influence the mental health problems in some LGBTI+ individuals. CONTRIBUTION: The knowledge of the factors that cause LGBTI+ individuals' mental health challenges can inform mental healthcare to be rendered. The findings can apprise nursing curriculum development and policy regarding the needs of LGBTI+ individuals.

Keywords : coping mechanisms; discrimination; hormonal replacement therapy; LGBTI+; mental health challenges; misgendering; stigma.

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